Updated November 8, 2018 at 5:48 PM;Posted November 8, 2018 at 5:44 PM

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File) AP (Michael Ainsworth)

Playing defense on the New England Patriots scout team as a rookie, Matthew Slater made a mistake on a practice rep and he remembered Mike Vrabel's reaction.

"He pulled me out and he went in at safety," Slater said. "At the time I didn't know how to feel about it. Looking back on it I realize he was trying to hold me accountable. He was trying to hold everyone accountable so we could take advantage of our practice reps. It's the little things like that, that really set Mike apart. There's a long list of those little things."

Slater is one of three remaining Patriots (Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski) who were once teammates with Vrabel, 43, who is in his first year as the head coach of the Titans. Tennessee hosts New England, Sunday at 1 p.m. Slater wasn't surprised Vrabel's post-playing career had taken him to the sidelines or his rapid rise.

"Mike has ascended to the head coaching position very quickly, but if there was any player I played with over the last 11 years where I thought 'hey this guy is going to be a head coach," it's Mike Vrabel," Slater said. "There's really no surprise there. His football I.Q., his mind for the game of football is so unique. His leadership is so strong. I think it was only a matter of time before Mike became a head coach. Certainly happy to seem him get that opportunity."

Slater played just one season, 2008, with Vrabel, who played eight of his 14 NFL seasons, with New England. He said Vrabel's football intellect was apparent right away.

"It's something you can pick up pretty quickly. There are certain guys have a great sense of awareness to what's going on and have a great feel for tips and reminders that coaches have given us or things they've seen on their own in film study," Slater said. "That's something that shows itself on the practice field and during a game. Mike certainly had that. It was a running joke when he was here that he was going to he a head coach someday. I remember hearing guys say about him when I got here and sure enough here we are."

Slater said he's sampled some of Vrabel's leadership style in his own approach.

"Leadership and accountability are two things I remember most about Mike Vrabel. You have to be able to be a people person, and relate and interact with people to convey the message to your players. It's one thing to have the knowledge. To impart it to others is a different skillset," he said. "For me it comes down to accountability. For the good teams I've been on, accountability is the big part of what we do."

Slater said he couldn't see himself coaching, but listed James Ferentz, whose father, Kirk, is the head coach of Iowa, and Ted Karras, as potential future coaches.

"There are a number of guys that might have the capacity that might not have the desire," he said.